One of the first raw materials ever used in construction was natural stone. There are numerous reasons why it became an essential building material many centuries ago. Those reasons remain true today. That’s why STONEarch natural stones are always on top of the list for the best landscaping stones recommended by architects, designers, custom home builders, and landscape contractors.

Our stone products are extremely popular. Part of that is due to the fact that as a landscape material, you can use our stones in a myriad of applications. These include building facades, sidewalks, and other commercial projects, as well as residential projects like pathways, pool copings, and driveways.

When it comes to designing a project with natural stone copings and steps, we recommend combining it with Porcea Stone’s Elite Collection of outdoor porcelain pavers as an inlay. Doing so will take your projects to a whole new level of beauty and uniqueness.

Should you mix natural stone copings and steps with outdoor porcelain tiles?

When it comes to designing a project, there is no doubt that we’re all about variety. Two of the most important factors that designers need to work with are the design and materials. There are a lot of various ways to mix and match pavers. You can make a vast combination of options in shapes, colours, and finishes.

Both natural stone and porcelain pavers are extremely durable. Aside from this, here are the reasons why you should use natural stone for copings and steps with outdoor porcelain pavers as inlay for the main decking area of a project.

Natural Stones As Copings And Steps Material

STONEarch natural stones get even more beautiful with age

There is no doubt that stones look better as they age. The material can maintain its natural elegance along with having a very long lifespan. While some stones can achieve their entire beauty with little age, some will look striking as the day they were installed even after one hundred years.

The impact of natural stones on the environment is minimal relative to concrete

Our products present numerous green characteristics that only a few products on the market today can match. Manufacturing the stones does not require energy. It is only needed for quarrying and processing. Likewise, the blasting and mining methods have improved massively over the years. What’s more, the landscape material does contain any pollutants, does not release any chemicals, and does not require any substance when applied in construction.

Natural stone copings and steps are aesthetically pleasing

No other material can match the aesthetic appeal that natural stones carry. Although some materials may be easier to install, natural stone copings are hard and long-lasting. Moreover, you can find stones like STONEarch granite available in a wide variety of textures and colors, including STONEarch Black Berry, STONEarch Gray, and STONEarch Mahogany. Every piece is unique on its own. Hence, you’ll be able to create different patterns for copings and steps with ease.

Natural stone is unique in that it can be shaped to various lengths and thicknesses as desired for a specific project. Unlike outdoor porcelain copings that are more limited in sizes and application methods, STONEarch natural stone products can be customized to fit the exact requires as per the desired landscape design.

Superior durability

The materials you want to use should be worthy of your investment. In comparison to wood steps, natural stone will not chip or get scratches and will not change its appearance due to everyday wear and tear. Along with this, one significant benefit of our stone products is that they are extremely resistant to frost damage and decay. They are one of those hardscaping materials that can truly stand the test of time.

Low-maintenance

Not all of us have all the time in the world to constantly maintain different areas of our homes. But taking care of your natural stone steps or copings is the last thing you have to worry about. All you need to do to maintain its beautiful look is to wash it occasionally with your good old garden hose. Our premium products do not require routine painting, staining, or many do not need to be sealed either. Regardless, if your stone does develop some minor stains, usually they can be easily removed using special cleaners designed for natural landscaping stones.

Safe

Stone is safer than most materials for coping or step application. The reason for that is because its surface is naturally a little porous, providing your feet with excellent grip. That means it is slip-resistant and safe for the entire family and your four-legged friends to walk on. And although natural stone copings are dense, they have round edges that make them less sharp, enhancing safety. The 2”, 6” or 7”, edge profile is also much more desirable as it is a solid piece of stone that cannot be easily chipped or damaged from the side.

Cost-effective

In comparison to its peers, natural stone copings and steps are more economical than the counterparts – outdoor porcelain copings. Our products are extremely hard-wearing and tough. Therefore, they can provide you with great value for money. On top of that, they are stain-resistant and suitable for all pool shapes and types, from bullnose and rounded to square-edged and even curved.

Outdoor Porcelain Pavers As Inlay

Here are the benefits of using Porcea Stone outdoor porcelain pavers as an inlay:

1. They are chameleons and have the ability to mimic natural stone materials, making them an excellent choice for a pool deck, front walkway or a driveway. For instance, the dark granite look of Porcea Gris, along with its natural white striations replicate the appearance of an exotic natural stone. On the other hand, Porcea Coast, a light cream outdoor porcelain tile, is a perfect match for STONEarch Moderno Beige.

2. Porcea Stone modern porcelain tiles will not fade even when exposed to sunlight. They will maintain their beautiful color longer than other landscaping materials.

3. Outdoor porcelain tiles by Porcea Stone are also tough, can withstand scratches, and have low water absorption. Likewise, they can stand up against splashed water, heavy foot traffic, and just like natural stones, they will last for many years.

4. Depending on your taste, this type of pavers can be elegant or rustic. Plus, its appearance is far more upscale when compared with concrete or gravel. Take a look at Porcea Seashell for example, it’s a rustic Turkish-style stone that works amazing alongside our STONEarch Ivory Mix travertine copings.

5. Cleaning these materials is easy as well. All you have to do is wipe any spills right away before they have a chance to settle down and damp mop the surface once a week.

Design Tips

If your goal is aesthetics, keep the following tip in mind when deciding which STONEarch natural stone coping and step material and outdoor porcelain paver to mix and match:

1. STONEarch natural stone will serve as your neutral or accent colour. So when choosing the right outdoor porcelain, try to pick up a few colours that are either present in the stone or in the porcelain tile that are neutral and easy to match.

2. Scale is something you need to have fun with. When done the right way, mixing small-scale patterns with large ones can produce a harmonious balance.

3. Keep in mind that that less is always more. Your project can achieve a cohesive and luxurious space by limiting your color palette. More traditional designs will go for an accent border for example a light colour outdoor porcelain tile with a STONEarch Onyx Black granite as a coping and step tread. More modern designs will try to go for a neutral match with both options in a light cream or a light gray, just subtly picking up the colour undertones.

4. If your design project requires a bigger or bolder color palette the one rule you need to remember is that if your natural stones are busy or full of pattern, your porcelain pavers should be more clean and simple.

For more natural stone coping and step design ideas, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is more than happy to help turn your vision into reality.

We could all use a nice vacation just about now. But just because it is not yet feasible to travel at the moment, that does not mean that you can’t have a memorable vacation. And yes, you don’t have to leave home to do so. All you need is your backyard, creativity, and of course, your loved ones.

You can easily build a relaxing backyard summer oasis for the cost of one summer trip. Whether you want a solo escape, a romantic rendezvous, or simply have fun, with a bit of ingenuity, you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing getaway experience right at the comforts of your home. Plus, you’ll be safe from the wrath of COVID-19! It’s a win-win situation, right?

Check out these top 5 backyard vacation ideas for some inspiration.

First, Have A Clear Vision

Before you start transforming your garden into a vacation spot, the first thing you want to work on is aesthetics. You can equip your outdoor space with all the comforts and features you can find, if it fails in the visual department, your family will surely lose interest instantly.

When you are planning the design of your backyard, taking a risk is okay. Do not be afraid of it. One of the reasons why we are captivated with vacation spots is because of their uniqueness. So when transforming your yard, be innovative.

To make the ambiance appealing, evoke a sense of tranquility and calmness in your space. This is especially important during these trying times. The best way you can achieve this is to surround your patio with hanging light curtains. Likewise, you can use white partitions to separate your lounge area.

Your family will be more inclined to want to escape to your backyard getaway once they have a clear vision of it.

A Camping Destination

No matter where you are, sleeping under the stars is just amazing. If you don’t have a tent around, you can DIY with a duvet cover which you can drape over poles to support it. To make your slumber surface more comfortable, spread a yoga mat underneath your cozy sleeping bag.

Of course, it is not truly camping if you don’t have a cookout. Keep your camping menu simple with s’mores, hotdogs, and burgers. You can also glamp your backyard vacation with cocktails for the adults and mocktails for the kids, as well as campfire fondue and grilled shrimp.

Building a fire pit is a great idea where you can roast marshmallows in the open flame during your late-night hangouts with the family. STONEarch Saga and STONEarch Gray Mix are perfect for creating a unique and captivating firepit. STONEarch Saga has natural striping that creates intriguing designs while STONEarch Gray Mix has an antique character that makes it one of the top stone choices for Muskoka cottages to create a warm and cozy appeal

Outdoor Reading Nook

This is an excellent idea if there’s a bookworm in your family. You can also use it to encourage your kids to pick up a book. Instead of staying cooped up all day in their rooms with their gadgets, they can use the cozy spot to escape and immerse themselves in a good book or two. You can turn a certain part of your garden into an engaging reading nook. Set up a hammock, some bean bag chairs, and cushions to make it a relaxing and fun spot to read. At night, you can join them and gaze at the stars.

Our STONEarch Walling Veneers are the perfect choice for cladding a cozy reading nook area, and you can go with a modern walling stone such as STONEarch Midnight or something more traditional such as STONEarch Honey or STONEarch Rustic.

Spa Retreat

Create healthy leisure in your yard where you can restore your wellbeing, rejuvenate, relax, and forget all your worries. By adding a hot tub or jacuzzi, you can instantly turn your outdoor space into a spa. Using natural stones on your patio is a good choice. Our products, such as STONEach Flint, have contrasting textures and colours that add interest while still blending with the environment.

Begin your day on your stunning patio while sipping a fresh fruit smoothie. Then, work out for a bit and follow it up with a moisturizing facial mask. And if your significant other is around, you can exchange massages for an even more relaxing day.

Mini Golf Getaway

Miss golfing already? Perfect your swing and practice putting with a green right in your own backyard. You can have a company design and install one for you. But if you want to make it truly unique, you can DIY using STONEarch Artificial Turf over a base of gravel. We’ll be honest, this product is more suitable as a replacement for grass than a replacement for your putting green or golf membership!

Our artificial grass will keep your yard green all year round without the maintenance required from real grass. That means you don’t have to cut grass, no weeds, and no maintenance. They also look so real that they can confuse even your pets. Now you can practice your swing and stance, worry-free.

A Fantasyland For The Young Ones

Who says you can’t create a Magic Kingdom in your backyard? With school not yet back to normal, your little ones are just as anxious as you are. Hence, it’s important to ensure their mental health as well. When delighting your young ones, you are only limited by your imagination. You can build a wonderful world with a castle or even a theme park with a DIY roller coaster.

If your creative juices are not flowing, you can find playhouse plans for a castle online. You can even dress up as one of your children’s favorite fairytale characters and throw a tea party in your garden, which will surely thrill them.

Using a mix of STONEarch natural stone flagstone pavers, stone copings and stone steps with a combination of gentler elements such as artificial turf, softscaping, and playground equipment, can help you create a truly perfect backyard oasis.

If you’re looking to turn your backyard into a place where the entire family can enjoy a staycation, contact our team today to make it a reality.

Are you planning to give your landscape some makeover this year? Now is the best time to begin thinking about what you want to do with your outdoor space so that you’ll be able to enjoy it throughout the warm days of spring and summer.

There is no doubt that 2020 made a massive impact in our lives in many different ways. It changed the way we use and see our homes. Your garden, patio, and backyard have most likely served greater purposes more than even during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year in 2021, you can expect the popularity of outdoor living areas to grow continuously. And, COVID-19 is not the only reason for that.

More and more people these days are pursuing a more sustainable lifestyle. Likewise, they want to achieve excellent health right at the comforts of their homes, both physically and mentally. On top of that, outdoor spaces will still be that area in your home for social gatherings even during the cold months.

With that in mind, we’ve listed down some of the top 2021 landscape design trends that can help inspire your outdoor living projects.

1. Use Of Natural Stone Materials

Natural stone is one of the most stunning elements you can incorporate in your backyard. Whether you are planning a landscape project or want a new landscape material to add to your outdoor living area, STONEarch natural stones are the best option on the market today.

One of the reasons homeowners, landscape architects, and landscape contractors, prefer our natural stone pavers and flagstone over other materials is because they can adapt to a wide range of budgets. Aside from their natural and timeless beauty, our products are eco-friendly, do not contain any harmful chemicals, and are extremely durable.

Furthermore, natural stones blend well with their surrounding environment. For instance, the natural color variation in hues of yellow, gray, orange, and green of our STONEarch Buff limestone combined with sophisticated patterns is quite mesmerizing. This stone is the perfect contrast in a patio surrounded by dense vegetation and lush flower beds. The overall effect will surely calm your mind even for just a little while.

If you’re leaning towards a modern aesthetic, our STONEarch Onyx Black granite is a great option to create the most stunning and mesmerizing landscape design. This latest version of black granite can easily accentuate modern design landscape designs and take them to a whole new level. Our black granite is top choice for pool copings, planter walls, pillar caps, for dark black natural stone steps.

2. Edible Landscapes

It seems like each year the term fresh in landscaping design is gaining more and more attention. And there’s nothing fresher than having to pick vegetables and fruits for your dishes in your own garden! With a little bit of investment and hard work, you can turn your backyard into an abundant source of wholesome food for the entire family and even your friends can enjoy.

For most people, vegetables and herbs are what come to mind when thinking of an edible landscape. While that is true, you have a choice to add a fruit tree or two to the landscape design you’re planning. Consider opting for exotic fruit trees that can help your backyard oasis flourish since they tend to attract a lot of pollinators, but keep in mind our harsh Canadian climate. Sometimes it’s better to be safe with a resilient Apple tree, than trying to be overly ambitious and not getting to reap the fruits of your labour (note, the pun).

3. Going Native

While we’re on the subject of plants, another landscaping trend that we’ve been noticing for 2020 is the use of native plants, which will continue in 2021. That’s because these plants offer an array of benefits, along with having the ability to tolerate various conditions.

What’s more, native plants require little to no maintenance, making them ideal if you’re a busy person. They will thrive in the climates they are used to, from rainfall to drought. The reason behind this is that they have had hundreds, and even thousands of years to adjust to stresses brought by disease or pests. Also, they are better than non-native plants in terms of extreme weather situations due to climate change, which is a large challenge for maintaining a beautiful garden here in Canada.

If you want to have zero-maintenance grass and maintain a luscious lawn year-round, one hidden secret is to consider using our STONEarch Artificial Grass. We’ve used some ourselves in our beautiful 5000+ SQF outdoor showroom and haven’t had to touch it since the day it was installed almost a decade ago! Many clients comment that our STONEarch Artificial Grass is the most durable, dense, and long-lasting outdoor turf on the market today.

4. Stepping Stone Walkway with Pebbles

It can be challenging to create a beautiful walkway in your landscape. But you can easily do this by using other supportive components such as natural stone steps which you can accent using STONEarch black pebbles or white pebbles.

A thin border of stone on both sides can help define the path’s width. On the other hand, green succulents can add a touch of character to it, resulting in a remarkable walkway, which can grow overtime to partially cover the step and create a more rustic charm.

5. Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a 2021 landscaping trend that will be a huge hit. Most of us love to entertain our guests outdoors. And with our constant desire for inspiration and natural beauty, a lot of people will start to prioritize and invest in beautiful yet functional lighting alternatives. From uplighting to highlight your colorful flowers at night to hurricane lanterns to border your swimming pool, updating your outdoor lighting can open endless possibilities for entertaining.

When upgrading your landscape design with lighting, it is vital to have dark areas and light. This will highlight the spaces you want to draw the eyes of your guests. Also, go for bulbs with a lower wattage and ensure their light is not white but golden.

6. Incorporate Smart Technology With Your Landscape Design

There’s no stopping technology, and it seems like it just gets better each year. Today, it has found its way into every industry imaginable, including landscaping. You now have an option to automate your pool or install an irrigation system that you can easily control at the palm of your hands using your smartphone.

Incorporating your landscape design with smart technology is extremely convenient and a time saver. It allows you to maintain your outdoor space even when you’re at work or working on your annual suntan in the Caribbean.

The main thing to keep in mind is that 2021 is the year to invest in your backyards and patios. Build a pool! Get a new driveway! Renovate your deck! It’s all possible when you have the right supplier of natural stone and you can receive the right guidance in terms of the best design ideas for your landscape project. You’re stuck in quarantine and lockdowns anyways, why not build your backyard oasis today?

7. BONUS TIP: Zero-maintenance pavers by Porcea Stone are the way to go

Here at STONEarch, we are leaders in product innovation and are proud to be the first company to launch exciting new natural stone products on a consistent basis. Here are a few products that we’ve launched FIRST in the last couple of years:

STONEarch Indus Gray – An exciting STONEarch limestone that is a light grey colour and matches perfectly with modern landscape design. It’s become so popular that many clients looking at using Indiana Limestone, Venetian Gray, Cascade Limestone or other natural stones, will immediately replace the design with this stunning, clean, modern grey limestone that comes in flagstone pavers, pool copings, straight-edge copings, and straight-cut block steps.

STONEarch Onyx Black – A very dark black granite that is the perfect choice for commercial and residential projects. The rich crystals shine bright in the sunlight, and the unique combination finish which includes flaming & waterjet, brings out the true beauty of this granite. It’s also one of the most dense and durable natural stones that’s part of our premium Landscape Architect Collection.

Porcea Stone Collection – Last on the list but definitely not the least, we want to introduce you to the Porcea Stone outdoor porcelain tile collection. We’re proud to become one of the distributors of this range of outdoor porcelain pavers that is designed for North America. The best part is that this landscaping stone is that it does not need to be sealed and is a zero-maintenance option for clients looking for a clean premium look that will make their backyard a perfect oasis for decades to come.

Welcome to spring time! That means now is the perfect time to do some deep cleaning in your home. For most homeowners, natural stone is their choice of material, both inside and outside their homes. STONEarch premium natural stones are an investment that can provide you with years and years of beauty and function.

Although there are plenty of different types of pavers out there such as concrete interlock, wood/composite, and outdoor porcelain tile, the beauty that natural stones offer is unparalleled. On top of that, our products are extremely durable, versatile, and can withstand the harsh weather of North America. And by following these easy spring cleaning care and maintenance tips, you’ll be able to preserve the beauty of your natural stone walkway or patio for many years to come.

Know What Type Of Natural Stone You Have

Before starting your spring cleaning session, it is advisable to know the type of natural stone you have installed. Natural stones come in several types, but the most common ones include granite, limestone, and sandstone. You will be able to apply the right cleaning methods if you have an idea of what kind of stone you need to clean.

For instance, granite, which is one of the strongest among natural stones, will require less maintenance, and can withstand a stronger pressure wash and harsher cleaning solutions. Fortunately, our team of experts here at STONEarch has worked to prepare this short guide on the best practices to use to clean your natural stone patio, pool deck or walkway.

Plan Carefully Before You Begin Cleaning

It’s easy to dive right into cleaning and start pouring out your new cleaning products, however we strongly advise against that. Always select an edge or a corner area of your landscape project that is out of sight and unnoticeable and test out the cleaning solution in a small area. Also, don’t forget to carefully read the manufacturer’s directions before using any product. In most cases, we would not be able to guide you and it’s best to speak with manufacturers of these products to ask technical questions and gather more information.

Avoid Cleaning Natural Stones With Acidic Cleaners

The rule of thumb when cleaning natural stone projects is to avoid applying the surface with acidic cleaners, such as grout and bathroom cleaners. You may also want to stay away from using lemon juice, vinegar, and other multi-purpose cleaning agents. The acidic properties of these cleaners are too strong for your beautiful natural stone floor to handle, which can end up damaging it. Instead, you want to use gentle cleaners and soaps, specifically designed for cleaning natural stone.

Clean Spills Right Away

If there’s a spill on your natural stone pool deck, clean it immediately. Don’t wait for it to dry out. Blot it instead of wiping since doing so will just spread the spill. If necessary, use a mixture of mild soap and water. However, make sure that when you’re done, rinse and dry the area. Consider calling a professional if the stain persists. Some of our stones are more porous than others and we recommend sealing the stone every few years to reduce the likelihood of staining from spills. Naturally, the lighter coloured natural stones will be more prone to staining and require more gentle care in comparison to a black granite such as STONEarch Onyx Black.

Do Not Be Afraid To Scrub Badly Stained Spots

It is not uncommon for floors to have certain areas that are more prone to acquiring grease and dirt. If you see that some parts of your stone floor look dirtier than the rest do not hesitate to get a brush and begin scrubbing those spots. But make sure to use a soft brush, especially on limestones or gentler sandstones. A light pressure wash can also go a long way when it comes to adding some elbow grease to clean stains from moss or leaves or your outdoor walkway covered with trees.

Dry Broom Frequently

Your good old broom is the most reliable cleaning tool in terms of getting rid of daily filth and grit. A dry broom is all you need for everyday spring cleaning. Although it is effective to use a wet scrub, it will require more effort and time on your part than necessary. So you may want to do this on special occasions. For more effective cleaning, it is best to use a soft bristle broom and make sure the walkway is cleared of any debris or leaves. Besides sealing some natural stones, the easiest way to maintain the look of the stone is to prevent settlement on the surface that can cause staining over time.

Seal You Natural Stone Floor

One of the most vital natural stone spring maintenance you can add to your list is to seal your floor with sealants or impregnators. These stone materials are porous, which means they can absorb all sorts of nearby bacteria, spills, and grime. It is always best to follow manufacturer directions when it comes to how often you need to seal the area and factors such as exposure to sunlight, water, and traffic (residential or commercial) will play a large role in this decision as well. Doing so will not only keep these elements at bay, but it can help ensure your flagstone, pool copings and natural stone steps look like new and maintain their integrity.

Certain stones such as our STONEarch Black Limestone and STONEarch Indus Gray are both examples of two of our very popular natural stones that we recommend you seal in order to preserve their timeless look year after year.

If you want to enhance the curb appeal of your home or bring your landscape project to a whole new level, STONEarch products are the way to go. We offer the widest range of natural stone colors and products for landscape use than anyone else. Please contact our team to find out which flagstone or pavers will work best for the project you have in mind.

Venetian Grey (also called Dove Grey Shotblasted) is a sandstone with a unique, soft gray finish that can add charm to your outdoor projects. But that beauty comes with a price as this natural stone has higher iron content than other natural stones and may have problems with rust. Here at STONEarch, we always offered suitable alternatives to our clients to avoid challenges with rust in Venetian Gray.

Fortunately, you can find the 3 best alternatives for Venetian Grey in our collection of premium, high-quality landscaping stones. These are:

1. STONEarch Indus Gray
2. STONEarch Gray Granite
3. Porcea Stone: Porcea Moongrey

STONEarch Indus Gray

Limestone is a very popular construction material. It can be used for both interior and exterior applications. STONEarch Indus Gray is one of the very best limestones that can replace Venetian Gray. Moreover, it is available in a complete range of products including flagstone pavers, copings, steps, and pool copings.

This premium natural stone boasts neutral yet modern hues of gray and white. And because of its very clean and contemporary appearance, it is referred to in the industry as the most modern landscape stone to date. You’ll also fall in love with the naturally occurring bright white and darker colored striations and veins on this stone that add even more elegance and style to it. Along with these, it features a sandblasted texture, making its surface anti-slip. Hence, it is perfect for the North American weather.

Given the light colour of this stone, we advise clients to seal our STONEarch Indus Gray limestone to maintain its brilliant white / light gray colour for many years to come.

STONEarch Gray Granite

When it comes to durability and strength, the first stone that comes to mind for most people is STONEarch granite. This beautiful, elegant, and unique natural stone has long been used as a building material and for constructing just about everything, from kitchen countertops to stone steps. In fact, if you visit the most historic towns in Europe, you will find granite cobblestone streets that are over 100 years old. If you are looking for a cobblestone for your driveway, take a look at all the options that we have here at STONEarch.

STONEarch Gray Granite has an enduring neutral gray tone that can complement your residential or commercial landscape project. This classic yet modern stone has a flamed finish that allows for a slip-resistant surface. Therefore, it is an excellent flagstone for creating an impressive pool surround, patio, or front walkway.

One of the best things about our Gray granite (sometimes referred to as Fine Grey) is that it is a bulletproof replacement for Venetian Gray. STONEarch Gray Granite does not need to be sealed and a light pressure wash can easily clean the surface. It is known for its very consistent colour and texture, making it suitable for both residential and commercial projects alike.

Porcea Moongrey

Outdoor porcelain pavers are not only versatile but also cost-effective. Porcea Moongrey from our Porcea Elite Collection, in particular, is a beautiful, clean light gray stone and an outstanding alternative to Venetian Gray.

Because of the very modern look of this zero-maintenance product, Porcea Moongrey is often referred to as one of the most modern outdoor stones, and once installed, many clients find that the appearance is nearly identical to a sandblasted natural limestone paver although it is an outdoor porcelain paver. What’s more, it is specially designed for use as paving for patio areas and pool decks, as well as rooftop terraces and commercial applications.

Many of our clients will work with Porcea Moongrey on the main area of their pool deck and use natural stones such as STONEarch Onyx Black granite or STONEarch Indus Gray limestone for the copings and steps in their projects.

Why Should I Choose STONEarch Premium Landscape Stones?

• Our product range is innovative, available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and patterns. That means our high-quality natural stones and Porcea Stone outdoor porcelain collection can easily breathe life into your creative ideas.
• You can be assured that our landscape stones are available all-year-round at competitive prices.
• We aim to provide our clients with a one-stop-shop for all their landscaping and hardscaping needs, combined with fast delivery to their projects.
• Our superior quality products with high consistency are ideal for heavy commercial use.
• We only offer the finest stones from around the world, exclusively hand-picked by our team of experts to handle the Canadian and North American weather.

So if you need design ideas or want the best natural stone for your backyard, patio or pool area, contact our STONEarch team today!

Here at STONEarch, we always try our best to deliver products of the utmost quality combined with tremendous value to our customers. This is just one of the many reasons why STONEarch is known as one of the most trusted and reliable natural stone wholesalers and suppliers in North America. Along with that, we have established ourselves in the industry as the benchmark when it comes to product innovation. We are constantly pushing the boundaries when it comes to new products and offering our customers something different.

As the largest supplier of natural stone in the region, we are always thinking of ways on how we can expand our product range to cater to the demands of our partners. Also, we aim to provide only the best products that can help you create exquisite landscapes and masonry construction projects. That’s why we are delighted to announce that STONEarch is now one of the Authorized Distributors of Porcea Stone’s Elite Collection.

About Porcea Elite Collection

Porcea Elite Collection is a range of outdoor porcelain tiles that are made in Italy, specifically for our climate here in Canada. Furthermore, unlike other collections of outdoor porcelain tiles that may or may not fit our market, Porcea’s team of experts has hand-curated a set of outdoor porcelain pavers that replicate the most sought after design and aesthetics in the landscape paving market today.

The entire Porcea Elite Collection has been time and weather tested across Europe including countries such as Italy, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. It has also undergone the same tests in Nordic countries, including Sweden and Denmark.

Reasons To Use Outdoor Porcelain Tiles On Your Next Project

Although the idea of using outdoor porcelain tiles for landscaping is something new in Canada, there’s no denying that it is an excellent product. In fact, its technical specifications are far more superior to concrete and other landscaping materials.

As one of the first companies to bring imported natural stone to Canada, STONEarch has been a leader in product innovation for over 2 decades. We have been closely watching the revolution in outdoor porcelain tiles and after close assessment of the Porcea Stone collection, we are proud to recommend it to all our customers. Here are some of the reasons why Porcea Stone outdoor porcelain tiles are the best choice for landscaping:

• Anti-frost. These outdoor porcelain pavers are resistant to freeze-thaw cycles. All Porcea pavers go through rigorous testing under the unforgiving climate in Scandinavian countries with temperatures that can range between -50°C to +60°C.

• Low water absorption. The material is impermeable, meaning it has a very low absorption rate. And with less than 0.5% absorption of water, you can be assured that it is suitable for all climates and has extremely high structural strength.

• Anti-Slip. We commonly get asked, “Aren’t porcelain tiles slippery and designed for indoors?” Porcea’s outdoor porcelain tiles are different in this way with slip ratings that surpass R11, making them suitable for landscape use.

• Durable. The thickness of these tiles is twice that of a standard indoor tile. Therefore, they are hard-wearing and very strong just like STONEarch natural stones.

• Scratch-resistant. These tough pavers are also more scratch-resistant than other materials like concrete.

• Resistant to salt or moss. Some materials when used outdoors can become very slippery once a layer of mold or moss covers their surfaces, especially during the winter. That is not the case with porcelain pavers as they are highly resilient materials that are resistant to stains from moss, salts, acids, and mildew, to name a few.

• Their color will not fade. Unlike concrete products, porcelain will not fade when exposed to UV radiation or direct sunlight. That means you will be able to enjoy its beauty for many years to come.

• Wide array of designs. Porcea Stone’s Elite Collection is available in various colors, sizes, and styles. The range includes tiles that replicate the look of concrete, stone, and even wood.

• Hassle-free maintenance. Aside from their beauty, porcelain paving stones are easy to maintain and clean.

• Outdoor porcelain copings. Many of the outdoor porcelain pavers that we sell also come with matching straight-edge copings allowing you to create a perfectly seamless look for your project.

There isn’t much reason left to continue to debate the topic or be skeptical. Outdoor porcelain tiles by Porcea Stone are rapidly becoming the best outdoor tiles and are highly recommended by top landscape architects and design professionals. To learn more, do not hesitate to contact our team today.